An effective leader is someone who understands or has the capacity to empathize with problems, someone who is trustworthy and focuses on important topics
As we celebrate World Health Day today, we recognise the words of Maria Fernandez Elorriaga, research professor and leader in maternal and newborn health. Fernandez Elorriaga's quote emphasises not only empathetic and ethical leadership but also the key role of focusing on essential topics. For Fernandez Elorriaga, "It's really important to focus on family planning, quality and safe abortion", underlining this year's theme of "Healthy beginnings, hopeful futures":
A Trailblazer in Maternal Health
Maria Fernandez Elorriaga is the principal investigator and technical coordinator of a study examining the application of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Safe Childbirth Checklist to enhance the standard of institutional delivery in Mexico. She is also the co-investigator on other studies within implementation science in maternal and perinatal care. Previously, she was both a primary and community care nurse and a regional nutrition coordinator in Algerian refugee camps.
Leadership Driven by Humanity
In her quote, Fernandez Elorriaga highlights the primary importance of compassion and empathy in leaders, as well as the ability to be dependable. However, in addition to these key attributes, it is essential to focus on the right topics, which will help make the necessary impact. The World Health Organisation (WHO) states that nearly 300,000 women pass away from pregnancy or childbirth every year. It is estimated that 2 million babies lose their life after one month and 2 million are stillborn. By working on these central but underrepresented topics, we can make a true impact as leaders.
Fernandez Elorriaga's approach emphasises the Laidlaw value of being #Good and the Oxford Character Project Leadership Virtue of #Humanity. Being good means choosing to lead in fields that contribute to principal topics, and making a positive impact on the world. Humanity means embracing considerate and empathetic leadership.
A Call to Reflect
As we celebrate World Health Day, we invite you to reflect on Maria Fernandez Elorriaga's powerful leadership insights. Share your thoughts in the comments: Who inspires you in the world of healthcare or public service?
References and Resources
https://www.unicef.org/health/maternal-and-newborn-health
https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-health-day/2025
Related Research on Maternal and Newborn Health:
⚡Sandy Nguyen: The Impact of Maternal Dietary Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practice on Early Child Anthropometry
⚡Elena Elizabeth Diaz: Understanding the Transgenerational Neurogenetic Effects of Maternal Opioid Use
⚡Shubhecchha Dhaurali: Reproductive Health is Maternal Health
⚡Chia-Hsuan Chang: How metabolic resources are applied to human foetuses and how this applies to sleep
⚡Chelsea Liu: Investigating the Impact of Nurture Kits on Families
Hi! Having previously been a Laidlaw Undergraduate Scholar studying English Literature at UCL, I’ve recently joined the Laidlaw Foundation as a Community Ambassador and Team Support Executive.
My research looked at collaborative and innovative practices in academic publishing, and community building is something I built a passion for during my Leadership in Action. I’m looking forward to continuing my journey at the Laidlaw Foundation in this new role! Feel free to reach out or connect with me!
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